Dewsbury initially signed up but withdrew shortly after the meeting and were replaced by Runcorn.

The Northern Union played its first matches on September 7, 1895 to compete for two separate Yorkshire and Lancashire competitions. Batley Bulldogs secured a 7-3 victory over Hull.

In the 1896-1897 season, the challenge cup was introduced, allowing all teams to compete together. Batley won the first trophy, beating St Helen’s 10-3 at Headingley.

Between 1895 and 1908, numerous rule changes were made and Rugby League was transformed into the game we know it as today.

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Batley Bulldogs, Leeds Rhinos and Widnes Vikings, still play at the same site as they did 120 years ago.

RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood said: “Rugby League has a great heritage and tradition and in this, our 120th year, the Founders Walk is a terrific opportunity for the sport to come together and raise as much money as it can for worthy causes.

“Rugby League was born of a struggle based upon the right to fair play and that burning desire for equality and openness has resonated across the decades.

“The decisions taken by the game’s founding fathers were bold, dynamic and welcoming, three qualities which are as important and relevant in Rugby League today as they were in 1895.

“As well as celebrating our heroes, this year provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge the debt of gratitude we owe to the people involved in the 22 founder clubs, whose foresight has left a wonderful and indelible legacy.

“It’s an important anniversary and I hope as many people as possible engage with the walk to celebrate a special birthday and a very special sport.”

Local teams will join in the walk, organised by the RFL, which takes place from Sunday, July 19 until Friday, July 24.

The RFL hopes it will raise £120,000 for the Rugby League Cares charity, which brings together sporting charities the Rugby League Foundation, RFL Benevolent Fund and RFL Heritage Trust.

It has four factions aimed at increasing grassroots participation in the sport, providing health and wellbeing support for past and present players, giving assistance aid and hardship relief for those injured in the game and conserving the sport’s history.

Anyone can join in the walk for any or all of its stages, and there are shorter two to five mile community walks which local teams will be involved in.

Other 120th anniversary celebrations include a commemorative statue to be unveiled at Wembley Stadium on the day of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final on August 29, the sport’s birthday.

RL Cares is also installing commemorative blue plaques at all the original grounds, and two more rugby league legends will be inducted into the sport’s Hall of Game.

For more information and to register with a £5 donation to RL Cares, visit www.rugbyleaguecares.org/founders_walk_2015